Awning hanger structure



y 1952 L. D. GRAHAM 2,597,633

AWNING HANGER STRUCTURE Filed on. 24, 1947 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 IIIIHHHUQH YI1 1 l j flo gwm,

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May 20, 1952 D. GRAHAM 2,597,633

AWNING HANGER STRUCTURE Filed 001:. 24, 1947 2 SHEETSSHEET z IN V ENTOR.

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Patented May 20, 1952 u N] TED. STATE s Pars-N T: OFF-ICE; 2,597,633

AWNING HANGER S T RUCTURE Lloyd vDi Graham, Chicago, Ill.

Application October 24, 1947', "Serial N0. 781,971

1 Claim.- (01. 16172 This invention pertains: to an improved, simplifiedand relativelyinexpensiveshade' or awningiof the rigid,prefabricated-sheet metal type which is adjustable to regulate the angleof inclination relative'to a support. More particularly, the inventionresides in certain improvements in an adjustableawning of the above typeenabling the awning to be quickly and easily installed on orrremovedfrom a dwelling or other building, said awning also being adapted toalso serve as a storm or hurricane sash.

It is an object of the invention-to provide a relatively rigid sheetmetal awning-adapted to be assembled and erected on the job which isbuilt up of prefabricated, standard sized,rectangular sheetmetal'sections overlapped relatively to one another, plus noveltelescoping means of a simple andinexpensive character to enable theoverlapped assembly and securement of said sections in any of a numberof different panel sizes, the overlapped relation-of the secor supportadapted for attachment toa dwelling or other building, wherein the panelis slidably received interiorly' .of land beneath-said support and ismanipulated by a simple rotative-movement, whereby said panel wedginglyengagessaid support and is forced into securelynested relation in akeeper portion'thereof, to thereafter resist undesired displacement in avery effective manner; and in which the panel is removed from thesupport by a further correspondingly simple movement.

Yet another specific object is to provide a combination of, relativelyrigid awning panel and support therefor, in which said support ischaracterized by a camming or wedging surface and by a resilient orflexible keeper member inclined downwardly and outwardly from saidsurface, said panel having 'a projecting locking element or elementswhich are lockingly eneageable within said keeper member under a wedgingor camrning action between said paneland surface.

2'. In a general way, it-is an-object of the invention to provide anattractive and inexpensive,

light weight awning structure characterized by the foregoing features,together with means which enable thesameeither to be" releasably mountedinanydesired inclination to a window frame so as to serve as a sun andrain shade or-shield, or to be withdrawn downwardly and secured insealingrelation to the window opening in the manner ofa hurricane sash,said awning structure permitting free air circulation therebeneath inits operative inclined relation to the window frame.

The foregoing statements are indicative in a general way of the natureof the invention, but other and more specific objects wiil be apparentto those skilled in the art upon a fullunderstanding of the construction:and operation of the device.

A single embodiment of the invention presented herein for purpose ofexemplification, but it will be appreciated that the invention issusceptible of incorporation in other modified forms coming equallywithin the scope of the appended claim.

In the drawings,

Figs. 1 and- 2 are fragmentary perspective views, illustratingalternative operative positions of the improved shade or awning of-thepresent invention relative to a windownframe or like opening to whichthe same is applied;

Fig 3 is an enlarged fragmentary bottom plan view-of the sheet-metalshading panel: of the structure, illustrating provisions adjacent anedge thereof whereby a plurality of panel sections may be variablyoverlappedrelative to one another and secured together to build upaunitary panel, this view also illustrating certainof the provisions forsupporting the shade relative to a Window frame or opening;

Figii isa fragmentary top plan-view of the panel illustrating provisionsadjacent the opposite upper edge thereof for latching andv locking thepanel relative to the window frame in a novel and greatly facilitatedfashion;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view in section, .taken on-a line correspondingapproximately to line 5-5 of Fig.3; and

Figs. 6, 7 and 8 .are similar enlarged fragmentary end elevational viewsillustrating progressive steps in the manipulation of "the, shade panelrelative to its support to engage the panel with the support, and alsotodismantlethe panel from its operative position.-

I am aware that it has been proposed.to ,.employ sheet metalawningstructures ofamore 3 or less rigid character to shield the windowsof dwellings and other buildings from sun and rain.

I am also aware that provisions for removably associating such awningstructures with the building in question have been disclosed. However,to my knowledge, all such arrangements are subject to the objection oftheir looseness and insecurity of attachment to the building by theremovable provisions in question, thereby occasioning rattling, leakage,rusting and consequent relatively early loss of utility. Other proposedstructures are so complex in their assembly of parts, their shape, theiroperating means, or in other particulars, as to be impractical for salein a competitive market.

The present invention overcomes these drawbacks, affording a, relativelyrigid, light weight and compact awning structure adapted to be built upin selected panel widths depending upon the width of the window frame orother opening involved, by the assembly of a plurality of standardprefabricated panel sections in overlapped and secured relation to oneanother. The awning panel is adjustably positionable in any desiredinclination to the opening and, properly positioned, affords a maximumof protection against wind and rain without objectionably cutting downair circulation therebeneath, due to the openended construction thereof.It is opaque and impermeable to infrared ray transmission. The assemblyembodies novel provisions in the form of a plurality of very simpleprojecting locking elements adjacent the outer, upper edge thereof whichare received in a novel resilient support attached above the windowframe, whereby to afford a very secure, non-rattling and leak-proofattachment of the panel to the building in question.

The structure also involves further provisions for adjustably sustainingthe awning panel in inclined sun and rain shielding relation to thewindow opening or for wholly sealing the same in the manner of a stormor hurricane sash.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the improved awningcomprises a shading panel, generally designated II], which is, in theillustrated embodiment, built up of two or more panels II, I2 of asuitable, relatively inexpensive, light weight sheet metal material,such as aluminum. These panels may be fabricated at the factory instandard widths and lengths and are preferably stamped out in acorrugated cross section for rigidity as well as for increased ease andspeed in assembly and to eliminate leakage between the sections. Thepanels I I, I2 are in overlapped relation to one another for a variableproportion of their respective widths, the degree of overlap dependingon what is required to secure the desired overall width for the windowframe or other opening I3 to which the structure is to be applied.Sections II, I2 are provided with the various means hereinafterdescribed in detail for enabling ready assembly to one another andsecurement in the aforesaid overlapped relation. The reference numeral:4 generally designates a fixed support, mount or suspending structurefor the awning, within which the upper edge of the panel In is receivedand rigidly secured by camming or wedging the same in operativeposition, in a manner detailed hereinafter. Swingable supporting arms orstruts I5 are pivoted to the inner sides of shade panel I0 and areadapted to be adjustably affixed to frame I3, by means of pivotalfittings I6 or other well known provisions, to support the panel I0 inany desired downward and outward inclination, as illustrated in Fig. 1.It is contemplated that, at the end of the season, fittings I6 may befreed from the frame I3 and struts I5 swung upwardly underneath panel III, thereby to enable the latter to be brought inwardly into parallelsealing relation to the window opening, in the fashion illustrated inFig. 2. In this position, conventional spring clips ll of a well knowntype applied to the frame may be employed to engage over and hold panelI0 in sealing relation to the window in the manner of a hurricane sash.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 5, the under surface of each of the panelsections II, I2 is provided with a plurality of circular, strap-likemounting clips variously designated I8, I9 and 20, which are arranged inspaced relation to one another along a line paralleling said edge. Theseclips are secured to the respective panel sections by the threaded nutand bolt means 2|, but certain there of may also be riveted to therespective sections, if desired. The innermost pair of clips 20, one ofwhich is secured to each of the sections II, I2, receives an elongated,hollow, tubular guide sleeve 22 clampingly engaging the center of saidsleeve to support the same parallel to the lower edge of the panel. Thissleeve is slotted adjacent opposite ends thereof, as indicated at 23,and is surrounded adjacent said slots by the intermediate adjustableclips I9. The latter may thus be taken up or constricted by the nutmeans Z'I to radially compress the slotted ends of the sleeve. Elongatedrods 24 are telescoped in the opposite ends of sleeve 22, said rodsbeing fixedly clamped to the respective sections II, I2 by the outermostpairs of clips I8. The slotted ends of sleeve 22 are compressible toclamp rods '24 therein and thus secure the panel sections II, I2 in anydesired degree of overlap. Rods 24 may project externally of theoutermost clips I8 adjacent the side edges of the panel I 0 for thepivotal reception of a cap or coupling 25 by which the struts I5 arearticulated to the awning panel.

In assembling the sections II, I2, the inner ends of the rods 24 areslid into opposite ends of the sleeve 22 until the desired overall widthof the panel is obtained. The clips I9 are then tightened to secure thepanel sections rigidly together. The corrugated character of sectionsII, I2 adds substantially to the rigidity and resistance to distortionof the awning in a general way and their interlocked relation alsocontributes to stability in maintaining the fixedly overlappedrelationship of the sections. It is desirable to provide holes 26 instandard, equally spaced order at the inwardly convex corrugations ofthe panel sections to enable the aflixingof the clips I8, I9, 20 inproper distribution along the panel margin.

On the outer panel surface thereof and adjacent the upper edge thereof,the sections II, I2 of panel Ill have secured thereto a number oflatching and locking elements 21, each of which, in the interest ofstandardization of production and resultant lower cost, is constitutedby a circular strap-like member practically identical with the clips I8,I9 or 20. The purpose is to aiford a plurality of rigid, equally spacedlatching and locking elements of convex, curvilinear, external outlineprojecting from the outer and upper surface of the panel in a rowparalleling the upper panel margin. These locking elements are appliedto the outwardly convex areas of the corrugations of the sections,employing bolt holes 26 similar to those above described. Elements 2]coact with the fixedly mounted resilient mounting and locking bracket orsupport id of the awning structure in the manner clearly illustrate inFigs. 6, 7 and 8.

Support i l is in the form of an elongated moulding comprising an inner,flat, elongated metallic wedging or cam element 29 and a downwardly andoutwardly inclined spring sheet metal keeper member 29. Member 29 isprovided with an upper attaching section 39 at which it, together withthe element 29, is rigidly and permanently attached flush with the framel3 or other opening, as by a series of screws 3|. The lower portion ofthe downwardly and outwardly inclined keeper member 29 terminates in aninwardly and upwardly bent keeper hook 32 which is in spaced relation toelement 28, said hook serving to define a keeper recess 33 for theultimate wedged reception of the locking elements 21.

The lateral spacing of hook 32 with reference to the wedging element orsurface 28 is such as to enable the panel i and locking elements 2!thereon to be readily inserted between the keeper hook and surface uponupward sliding movement of said panel, in the manner illustrated in Fig.6. There is but slight engagement of the elements 21 with the hook 32,and the member 29 will readily spring outwardly to accommodate the same.Preliminarily inserted in this manner, it is only necessary thereafterto swing panel 10 outwardly and upwardly in clockwise direction, asillustrated in Fig. 7, to bring the panel to operative, securely lockedposition. In these operations, which may be performed from either theinterior or exterior of the building, the inner and upper edge 34 of thepanel wedgingly or cammingly engages the surface 28 and thus causeslatching elements 21 to be positively thrust outwardly into keeperrecess 32, The wedging action causes the resilient keeper 29 to springoutwardly somewhat, as from the dotted line position of Fig. 7 to thefinal solid line position, accompanied by snug, non-rattling and bindingengagement of the elements in the recess 32. The shade panel is now inerected condition and the struts l5 are applied to the fixtures 13 tosustain and resist downward displacement of the panel. Wing nuts orother appropriate means may be employed to effect the pivoting of struts15 to said fixtures, and to maintain the struts against displacementfrom operative condition, as during stormy weather.

When it is desired to remove the panel, the struts [5 are disconnectedfrom fixtures l6 and the panel I0 is merely swung downwardly andinwardly to the dotted line position of Fig. 7, whereupon it may bedrawn vertically downwardly past hook 32. As an alternative method ofreleasing panel ID from support 14, the same may be swung fartherupwardly in clockwise direction from the operative position shown inFig. 7, through the position shown in dotted lines in the last namedfigure. During this movement the upper edge or the panel slidesdownwardly along the surface 28, camming the member 29 outwardly untilthe element 21 passes and disengages the hook 32. This frees panel H]from support l4 entirely, the spring tendency of the keeper member 29even acting to positively expel the elements 21. Regardless of themethod of removal of the panel, its lightness in weight and compactnessfacilitate carrying and storage of the same, not to mention thedesirability of these features from the standpoint of the shipping ofthe structure.

I am aware that those skilled in the art will perceive the possibilityof various modifications or alterations in the details and relationshipsillustrated and described above. However, I believe it is novel with meto provide a compact, light and attractive built-up overlapped sectionawning which is particularly characterized by a wedging or cramping typeof operation in the assembly thereof. This principle of construction andoperation affords soundness and resistance to rattling, leakage anddeterioration which are unequalled by other rigid awning structures withwhich I am familiar.

While specific mention has been made of the use of light-weight sheetmetal sections ll, 12, it is also contemplated that the sections may befabricated of any of a number of well known plastic compounds or othermaterial which are readily available on the market in many attractivecolors. The principle of variably overlapping the constituent panelsections results in great flexibility and versatility of use, enabling acustom built installation to be made While employing parts which arestandard in all details. I therefore desire that the invention beconstrued no more limitedly than is reasonably indicated by the languageof the following claim.

I claim:

An awning or shade structure applicable to a fixed upright support,comprising a sheet-like awning panel, a locking element secured to saidpanel at a point spaced downwardly from the upper edge margin thereofand facing outwardly of a surface thereof, said panel having upwardlyexposed camming means in fixed relation thereto adjacent said upper edgemargin and facing away from the direction faced by said locking element,said camming means being spaced substantially upwardly from said lockingelement, and a keeper releasably supporting said panel, said keeperbeing applicable in fixed relation to said upright support andproviding, when applied, a portion which extends outwardly from saidsupport and terminates in an inturned keeper portion spaced from saidsupport, said locking element being engageable with and supported bysaid keeper portion, said camming means being downwardly and slidinglywedged against said support upon outward swinging of said panel aboutsaid keeperengaged locking element as a fulcrum, thereby to positivelythrust said element into tighter engagement with said keeper portion.

LLOYD D. GRAHAM.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,524,237 Grammas Jan. 27, 19251,901,976 Martin Mar. 21, 1933 1,902,879 Miller Mar. 28, 1933 1,941,308Indahl Dec. 26, 1933 2,002,169 Brande May 21, 1935 2,234,760 GuarcelloMar. 11, 1941 2,480,051 Schmitt Aug. 23, 1949

